G7 leaders on Sunday (April 14, 2024) condemned in 'strongest terms' Iran’s direct and unprecedented attack against Israel, an episode escalating tension between the two countries.

"Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel. Israel, with the help of its partners, defeated the attack," read the statement issued by G7.

"We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security," the statement said.

The G7 leaders said with the fresh actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and 'risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation'.

"This must be avoided. We will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives," the statement said.

G7 leaders said cooperation will be strengthened to end the crisis in Gaza.

Iran on Saturday (April 13, 2024) launched an unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel after warning of retaliation for a strike on its consular building in Syria.

Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel as its proxies and allies also carried out coordinated attacks on Israeli positions, media reports said.

Iran insisted it acted in “self-defence” after the targeting of its diplomatic mission in Damascus.

The country said it hoped its action would prompt no further escalation and “the matter can be deemed concluded.”

UN chief reacts to escalation of tension in Middle East

The people of the Middle East are facing a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict, UN chief António Guterres said on Sunday, urging “maximum restraint” across a region “on the brink”, hours after Iran launched attack drones and missiles against Israel overnight Saturday.

“It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East...Now is the time for maximum restraint,” the UN Secretary-General told delegates at the opening of an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

Guterres explained that the emergency session was called by Israel following what it described in a letter as ‘a direct attack launched by Iran... of more than 200 UAVs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles towards Israel in clear violation of international law.’

The UN chief added that in a separate letter, Iran stated that it had carried out a series of military strikes on Israeli military objectives ‘in the exercise of Iran’s inherent right to self-defence as outlined...in the UN Charter, and in response to...its armed attack on 1 April 2024 against Iranian diplomatic premises’ – in Damascus.